What Is the Christian Life? Resurrection, Not Renovation
The phrase "Christian life" is one we often hear, but few take the time to define it. In a world where Christianity is frequently reduced to church attendance, good behaviour, or positive thinking, it is essential that we ask: What does it actually mean to live the Christian life? What does God expect from those who follow Him? How do we know we are truly living in the way God intends?
The Christian life begins—not with our effort—but with God's initiative. It is not first about doing, but about becoming. It is not a life we achieve, but one we receive. To live the Christian life is to be made alive in Christ. It is to be transformed from spiritual death to spiritual life, to pass from darkness into light, from self-rule into the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
A Completely New Beginning
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV):
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
The Christian life is not merely an improved version of your former self—it is a completely new beginning. At the heart of Christianity is resurrection, not renovation. You were once dead in sin; now you are alive in Christ. You once lived according to the flesh; now you live by the Spirit. This shift is not just positional—it is practical. It affects every part of your life: your thoughts, desires, actions, relationships, and purpose.
Not Just a Decision, But a Life
Too often, Christianity is mistaken for a one-time decision. People raise a hand, repeat a prayer, and believe they are now "saved." But Jesus didn't simply call people to pray a prayer. He called them to follow Him.
"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23, NIV)
The Christian life is not simply about making a decision—it is about becoming a disciple. It is a daily walk of surrender, of yielding to the will of God and allowing His Spirit to conform us to the image of Christ.
A Life Powered by the Spirit
We cannot live the Christian life in our own strength. Many try—and many fail. The Christian life is supernatural because it requires a supernatural power. God does not expect us to live a holy life without giving us the Helper to do so. The Holy Spirit empowers the believer to walk in obedience, produce spiritual fruit, and carry out the works God has prepared.
"You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you." (Romans 8:9, NIV)
Without the Spirit, Christianity becomes a heavy burden. But with the Spirit, it becomes a daily transformation. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11), equipping us to live in victory over sin and in intimacy with God.
A Life That Reflects the Nature of Christ
The Christian life is not just about receiving eternal life—it is about displaying Christ's life. The early church was not known for theological debates or mega events. They were known for their love, their holiness, their faithfulness, and their boldness. They lived in such a way that others could see Jesus through them.
"Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." (1 John 2:6, NIV)
This is the measure of the Christian life: not what we say, but how we live. The fruit of our lives will reveal the root of our hearts. Those who belong to Christ will bear the evidence of His Spirit at work—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22–23).
The Call Is to Live, Not Just to Believe
Belief in Christ must result in a life lived for Christ. Anything less is incomplete. James writes that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Jesus Himself said, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46).
To live the Christian life is to live in obedience to Christ—not to earn salvation, but because we have received it. It is a response to grace, not a replacement for it.
In Summary
The Christian life is:
A new creation by the grace of God
A daily surrender to the will of Christ
A Spirit-empowered walk of holiness and obedience
A life that reflects Christ in word, deed, and character
A faith that works, not to earn God's favour, but to express it
This is not a calling for the strong, but for the surrendered. It is not for those who trust in themselves, but for those who trust in Jesus. If you are in Christ, you are called to live a life that points back to Him—one that shows you are truly His.
Go Deeper: Download Volume 1 Free
This post is adapted from "The Life God Calls Us To," the opening book of Truth in an Age of Compromise, Part One: Foundations of Faith. The full volume walks through salvation, what God expects of us, grace and our response, Christian community, perseverance, witness, and the hope that anchors us—along with Behold the Lamb, Covenant Keeper, The Gospel of the Kingdom, and Kingdom Manifesto.
Download Volume 1 free at www.presentingthegospel.com.
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